Atkinson hails spirited Spartans

After watching his side seal their place in the last sixteen of the Doodson Sports Cup with an epic 5-3 win over Stocksbridge Park Steels, Spartans manager Paddy Atkinson revealed his pride the team spirit on show from his players, writes Mark Carruthers.

Despite seeing a 2-1 lead overturned in the space of three second half minutes during Tuesday night's Third Round tie, Spartans snatched a late equaliser that took the tie into extra-time before finally running out comfortable winners over their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division rivals.

Atkinson, pictured, was delighted with the spirit shown. He said: "It's typical Blyth Spartans isn't it? There were plenty of goals and it's just nice to get a second win in a row. It's a good confidence boost for the lads and their keeper has really stopped it being a more comfortable win for us. Even when they took the lead I was always confident we would get back into it because there's a genuine team spirit here and the lads saw it through."

Following Saturday's Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division win over Matlock Town, Atkinson said he took the opportunity to take a look at players who haven't had as much time on the pitch. The likes of Jack Stanger and Darryll Donnelly came into the lineup and Atkinson was pleased to have had the chance to give them a run out.

"It gave me a chance to take a look at some lads who haven’t played much recently for one reason or another," explained the Blyth manager. "That was the key thing apart from the result obviously. We got to use the squad and that was very pleasing. Jack did well in the middle and for his age. He has great awareness and technical ability. He certainly gave us a great performance."

Spartans fans may have been surprised by striker Phil Airey starting at right back. Atkinson revealed it was by no means an emergency measure that saw the Amble born player starting in defence. Airey impressed and walked away with the man-of-the-match award, with Atkinson revealing that an unlikely source had suggested Airey for the role.

He said: "I was at Newcastle United’s training ground and they were asking how Phil was getting on. They said he played for the reserves as a right back so I thought it was a great chance to see him there. I asked him to play there before the game and his attitude was top notch. Actually I was surprised because he so excited to play there and he was superb back there. His pace is a real bonus at the back and he has given me plenty to think about."

Atkinson also took time out to praise striker Dan Maguire. The former Seaton Delaval man marked his twentieth birthday with his maiden goal for the club. Maguire's opportunities have been limited to two appearances by the arrival of Andy Jennings and the form of Ryan McGorrigan but Atkinson was chuffed to see him hit the net.

"Dan deserved that goal and I was delighted for him," said Atkinson. "He's a lovely lad and he loves being at the club. He played two games before Christmas and the fans saw what he will give you. He ran his socks off and he gave everything. He still needs to improve how clinical he is but it was great to see him come off the bench and it was an outstanding finish."